5.7: One Easy Thing You Can Do to Help You Persevere!

Do you have someone around you who whines about the sun when it’s hot and then when it is winter he/she complains about the cold? Do you have a friend or relative who dumps their problems on you but they never attempt to change the way they think, speak or act?

Some people feel so bad about their miserable lives they go out of their way to make other people feel miserable. They shoot down new ideas, scoff at big goals, and snicker at grand dreams.

On your journey to your goals you will meet resistance, frequently from those who are jealous or who don’t understand what you are doing or who may feel left in the dust, should you succeed.

They will criticize you, ridicule you, and even mock you. If you allow them, they will bring you down to their level of non-achievement just to make themselves feel comfortable, or more correctly, to make you both feel miserable.

Here is the one easy thing you can do to help you persevere: avoid negative people. Turn them loose. Let them go.

OK, I know, it’s not always possible (like you’re married to him/her), so let’s talk about what’s possible. How should you let go of the naysayers and pessimists around you? Each situation, each person must be treated differently, but do begin to distance yourself from the toxic people around you.

Just because your phone rings does not mean you must answer it. Just because someone texts you does not mean you must reply immediately. You may have to politely explain to them why you no longer respond to their calls and texts, but you do not need to apologize for your need to stay positive. Because they are so wrapped up in their own negative emotional state they won’t fully understand your explanations or accept your apologies anyway.

Another thing you can do when you are with negative people is to respond positively. You cannot choose what someone says to you, but you can choose what you say to them. When they are negative, choose to respond positively. When they are looking at the cloud, you point out the silver lining. It will make you feel better and send them a message at the same time.

Here’s another idea: Choose to NOT share your life and dreams with them. If you don’t supply them fuel for ridicule they will have nothing to burn down. Also, the mystery of what you are doing and the progress you are making will drive them nuts!

Whatever you do, do it with grace and love. Don’t burn any bridges. There may be a day when things turn around for them and your relationship can be rekindled.

Then make one more easy choice: Choose to be with optimistic people as often as you can. You need positive re-enforcement, you need people who speak faith and hope and strength into your life. Find them, nurture them, and keep them.

Mark Twain summarized what I’m saying when he wrote, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain